¶ … Salesman in the World

Selling has perhaps been one of the most misunderstood concepts ever. How to sell is perhaps a question we are faced with not only as professional salesmen, but also in everyday life. First published in 1968, "The Greatest Salesman in the World" is the exact type of book that answers the unasked questions we have always meant to ask.

O.G. Mandino writes in a clear and simple way, so as to pass out his ideas in the best possible way and set forth a guide of selling principles that can be used by everyone. The principles of salesmanship are not actually set out for the reader, but are transmitted through a parable placed some two thousand years ago. We are introduced to Hafid, a camel boy working for one of the great caravan merchants of the times. Although this is a story placed 2000 years ago, it is very actual from the beginning: how many salesman are there working for a powerful corporate big shot?

Hafid is sent to Bethlem to sell only one robe, but he fails because, in a moment of pity, he gives the robe to a new-born bay. Hafid returns to the caravan accompanied by a bright star over his head, which is interpreted as a sign from gods. As such, Pathros, the merchant, gives Hafid ten ancient scrolls, containing all he needs to achieve his goals. Hafid becomes a great salesman, the greatest in the world and passes on the scrolls upon his death.

Many of the ten scrolls are of course very actual today, because they do not refer to a specific period of time, but are general guiding principles in life. Things like "I will persist until I succeed," Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold" or "I will act now" are advices we can refer to nowadays as well. Perhaps the fact that the ancient story has a message that spreads over all times is what makes the book so great in the first place.

Bibliography

http://www.bookhills.com/The_Greatest_Salesman_in_the_World_055327757X.htm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0883910330/ref=ase_wwwlink-software-21/202-8